St. Patrick's Day

Here is my one big memory of St. Patrick's Day: warning, it's pretty sad! I came into my first grade class room on March 17th, 1976 and my teacher, Ms. Lawlor, says to me, "Oh Karen! It's St. Patrick's Day and you aren't wearing any green! Would you like a shamrock to wear like mine?" then pointing out to me the beautiful shiny green and gold cloisonne pin she is wearing on the lapel of her polyester pants suit. "OH YES, PLEASE!" I respond with anticipation. How great she has two, I am thinking. Then she proceeds to go over to her desk and cut me out a shamrock out of GREEN CONSTRUCTION PAPER-- then hands it to me with a straight pin to go with it. I know I must not have immediately put it on happily because she said, "Oh I am sorry, you probably need a little help putting that on yourself!" then pinning that sorry construction paper thing to my shirt. I went to my desk in the second row thinking to myself-- this is NOT like Ms. Lawlor's. This is sorry construction paper and a straight pin-- not shiny gold and green enameled jewelry!!! Talk about your false advertising!

Fayette Music Festival

Both girls were able to participate in the Fayette Music Festival at Central Methodist University on Friday. We went up to watch Gabrielle in her ensemble which included flutes and one oboe. Madison came up with her group later and played in her flute trio. Both were great performances! This is juried competition and both groups received a "1" rating. Gabrielle's ensemble played "Hunter's Chorus" by von Weber; Madison played "Allegro Giocoso" by Hayden with her trio. This was just another wonderful opportunity for the girls to develop their talents. The university setting was nice including this amazing gothic style church where they performed in the parish house parlor. Great job girls, once again!

McTeacher Night

Gabrielle's school had a fundraiser at McDonald's Tuesday evening and they had the band involved. They performed in their small ensemble groups and shared the pieces they have been working on for the Fayette Music Festival (coming up this Friday at Central Methodist Univeristy). Gabrielle's group was not all present, so their teacher helped out. So, it was a little weird to play just outside the restrooms of McDonald's, but you've got to start somewhere, I suppose! Here is just a snap shot from the flip video. I hope to get the full group on video Friday! Until then...

White River Canyon

Slide Show

Love these trombones!

Gabrielle Live

It was Gabrielle's turn to perform this week. Yes, our life does revolve around band! Monday night we had the Award Band Spring Celebration Concert at Rock Bridge High School (a Spring concert even though there is a snowman still standing in my yard). This band is comprised of select 7th graders from all three middle schools. It has been a good experience so far for Gabrielle to with different musicians and directors. For this performance they played White River Canyon, Slide Show (featuring trombones!) and Salute to Freedom. After they performed their songs, we got to hear the Rock Bridge Wind Ensemble, their High School equivalent. They were wonderful! The last piece they played was called "The Seventies" and included portions of almost 20 different songs from the era including movies and tv theme songs. Sadly, I recognized all of them!

Great Locomotive Chase

This is from the NEMO concert last Saturday which includes Madison's solo.